DNA of defendant in Cedar Rapids stabbing found at crime scene

CEDAR RAPIDS - Multiple witnesses and DNA evidence link a Marion man to a stabbing five months ago in Cedar Rapids, according to court documents.

Jason A. Morris, 28, of 1764 Blackhawk Dr., has been charged with attempted murder, willful injury and assault with a dangerous weapon in the incident on Sept. 22. He is accused of stabbing Stephen Allen, 32, of Cedar Rapids, “numerous” times in the back, head and neck in the hallway of an apartment building at 110 Harbet Ave. NW, authorities said.

Officers responded to the apartment building around 3:30 a.m. after the altercation. Police said Allen had come in the building to visit a friend but did not make it to the apartment.

Allen needed surgery and was hospitalized as a result of the incident. Police said he has been able to return to work.

According to a criminal complaint, Morris “was positively identified by several witnesses as the person who repeatedly stabbed Stephen Allen in the back causing serious injuries.” Investigators also identified Morris' DNA at the crime scene.

Police arrested Morris without incident Tuesday afternoon at his residence and took him to the Linn County Jail.

Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said Thursday police are unsure what exact instrument was used to stab Allen. She said no weapon has been recovered. Police said Morris is the only suspect in the stabbing, but they have not talked publicly about a motive in the case.

Just two months before the stabbing, Morris pleaded guilty to a drug charge after police caught him with 88 grams of cocaine, a handgun and $796 in cash at a bus terminal at The Eastern Iowa Airport, according to court documents. Morris was given a deferred judgment and placed on probation for three years.

Previously, Morris was convicted of assault causing bodily injury after an incident in August 2006.

Morris remained in jail Thursday, on the three charges and a probation violation, with a total bond set at $166,500.